Smart automotive switch takes multichip approach

Fairchild Semiconductor has released a novel cutting-edge smart power switch technology for automotive product development.

Fairchild Semiconductor has released a novel cutting-edge smart power switch technology for automotive product development.

Fairchild's smart power switch technology offers a multichip solution based on a combination of proven power discrete technology, control IC technology, and innovative packaging.

Benefits of this new solution over a monolithic solution include enhanced system interface, increased device and system protection, improved control for power and current sensing, and reduced system power dissipation.

Smart power switch technology can improve such applications as resistive load controls, interior heating and cooling fans, as well as solenoid and ignition coil plus smart switch on plug designs.

Fairchild's new smart power switch technology offers excellent isolation between power and control silicon to improve product ruggedness and reliability, particularly in harsh electrical environments.

Since the substrates of the power and control devices are not shared, this multichip approach allows for more accurate current and voltage measurements.

Other system constraints, like board space and power loss, are also met by this multi-chip smart power switch technology.

Cost savings is another advantage, especially with the latest generation of power device technologies targeting applications that require low power loss.

"Fairchild's multichip approach combines power control IC technology, power discrete technology, and advanced packaging that cannot be found in a one-chip solution", said Steve Ahrens, Fairchild's Automotive Products Segment Director.

"We are seeing a profound change in the automotive industry as traditional mechanical automotive systems evolve into electromechanical or full electrical systems".

"This change is creating a need for a portfolio of products to drive a different class of higher power automotive loads requiring protection and communication, which cannot be addressed by IC or power technology alone".

The multichip approach is billed as an improved solution that can be tailored to a wide range of the latest automotive designs or subsystems, such as: inductive and resistive load control; interior heating and cooling fans; solenoids; ignition coil plus smart switch on plugs; wiper motors; electronic suspension; electronic seat positioning; headlamps; and window lifts.

This new smart power switch technology adds to Fairchild's solutions for automotive applications that include IGBTs, MOSFETs, rectifiers, photosensors, infrared switches, video, imaging and display products.

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